Customer Reviews

Universal Studios Classic Monster Collection (Dracula/Frankenstein/The Mummy/The Invisible Man/The Bride of Frankenstein/The Wolf Man/Phantom of the Opera/Creature from the Black Lagoon)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This box set is truly worth every penny it costs: a collection of eight iconographical titles in the "Universal Horror" pantheon from the 1930s and 1940s. The titles are DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY, THE INVISIBLE MAN, THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE WOLFMAN, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. Each DVD comes in a plastic case sporting original poster art, and all eight are neatly packaged in a single box for easy organization. Each of the titles have been significantly restored, and although the bonus features vary a bit from disk to disk each disk has a short documentary and interesting critical audio track.

The "Jewel In The Crown" of the set is DRACULA. While critical response to the film varies, the DVD includes both the Bella Lugosi and the so-called "Spanish" Dracula, as well as the option to play the Lugosi version with or without the recent Philip Glass soundtrack as well as memorable bonus material. The weak link the collection is THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; the Claude Rains remake isn't a patch on the original, and it is a pity that the silent Lon Chaney version was not offered instead. Still, the Rains version has its charms, and it far surpasses later film versions of the same title.

While each of the DVDs included can be purchased separately, those wishing to have all these titles will find the box set more cost-effective. Sure to delight fans of Universal horror classics and fans of classic film in general; strongly recommended as an essential.

This box set is truly amazing, and worth the purchase price. Each of these is the somewhat "definitive" version of the Universal "monster stable," before camp took over. (The main exception to this is "Phantom of the Opera." The Lon Chaney version of the phantom is much more resonate, and remains the archetype. Claude Rains version is a little lackluster.)

Each DVD is packed with features, including a special documentary for each monster type per disk. The well informed host takes you through the creation of the character from original novel, to stage play to silent film, and in many cases to the life beyond Universal. There are references to Edison's "Frankenstein" silent film as well as the German "Nosferatu." I really enjoyed the information on the creation of the monsters appearance, and the various stages they went through.

While all of the films are excellent, the real standout of this collection is the "Dracula" DVD. Containing both the English and Spanish versions of the film (made simultaneously, using the same sets with different actors. The English crew would set off and the Spanish crew would film their shots.) It also has a really lovely second sound track, composed by Philip Glass. It adds a new dimension to the film.

Highly recommended.

Universal Studios the Master of the Horror movie has masterfully restored & remastered EIGHT of the their BEST in the "CLASSIC MONSTER COLLECTION! Seven Black & White and One Technicolor (The 1943 "Phantom of the Opera") are presented in OUTSTANDING Clarity and Sound. The entire set is preserved in the actual theatrical FULL Screen format (4:3 aspect ratio-tv). Each of these 8 movies have extensive extra features including; background featurettes, commentary by film historians and a Picture montage of original lobby posters & publicity photos. This is an absolute must have for your DVD Home Theatre library!!!

The Universal Studios of the 1930's revolutionized special effects and the horror movie under the helm of Carl Laemmle Jr., Director James Whale and make-up genius Jack Pierce. Universal also had one of the greatest stable of stars many to play in reoccurring roles; Boris Karloff - Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932) & Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Bela Lugosi - Dracula (1931) & The Wolfman (1941). Claude Rains - The Invisible Man (1933 - Karloff was replaced by Rains due to contractual disputes), The Wolfman (1941) & The Phantom of the Opera (1943 - in fabulous TECHNICOLOR). Dwight Frye (the mad assistant) - Frankenstein, Dracula, The Invisible Man & The Bride of Frankenstein. Una O'Connor (the hysterical screamer) - Frankenstein, The Invisible Man & The Bride of Frankenstein. Edward Van Sloan (The Scientist/Doctor) - Frankenstein, Dracula & The Mummy. Lon Chaney Jr. - became The Wolman (1941).

Summary:Dracula (1931) established Carl Laemmle Jr. & Universal as the King of the Horror Picture while Bela Lugosi became the undisputed KING of the Vampires. Provided in 3 versions - Original, New Musical Score & Spanish Version filmed with all Spanish cast (see my review). Frankenstein (1931) established James Whale as the Master Director of Horror (also did, The Invisible Man & The Bride Of Frankenstein). Boris Karloff became a Super star playing "The Monster". (AFI top 100 film - see my review) The Mummy (1932) has Karloff playing in the lead role as a cursed Eygptian Priest returning from the dead after 2500 years. The Invisible Man (1933) establishes Claude Rains as a star with his voice. Playing a manical chemist who discovers invisibility with insanity is only seen at the very end of the picture. ( Outstanding special effects). The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) - Karloff in an encore role with a wife. (Considered to be the Best Frankenstein of the series). The Wolfman (1941) - establishes Lon Chaney Jr. as a superstar. He is bitten by a werewolf and begins a cursed nightmare. Phantom of the Opera (1943 - in Technicolor) has Rains in the lead role of the tormented manical violinist who loves a young upcoming opera singer. The Creature of the Black Lagoon (1954) Outstanding underwater photography. Is a cult classic of a gillman fall s for girl. "Beauty & the Beast" storyline.

This is a great collection and a must for the classic collector. Enjoy.

Universal have finally released the Monsters! These eight discs represent some of the finest monster movies of all time. Each disc has been lovingly restored (some have been restored more than others) and each disc includes a fascinating documentary along with a feature commentary from a film historian and a picture gallery not to mention the movie's trailer. Universal have done some of their finest work on these discs and I only hope they do not stop here as there are many, many more classic monsters movies such as "Island Of The Lost Souls", "Murders In The Rue Morgue", "The Raven", and the rest of the Dracula, Frankenstein, Mummy, and Invisible Man series' left to be released. Until then enjoy these discs for what they are. The best representation of these classic monster movies ever released.

If you check my other reviews on Amazon you will see I think collector's sets are generally a waste of money. Often they cost more than buying the DVD's individually, and always there are a number of dog titles in the set nobody really wants.
However Wow!!! This set is a real exception. Most of these titles are hard to find at all but the best video stores and when you do find them they seem to be selling for around thirty dollars each. I know because it took me months to find a good price on Bride of Frankenstein. For once I was happily surprised to see a set that has all great titles a monster fan would like to have and at a fantastic price that is a real bargain. What is more is these aren't some crummy public domain prints. These are high quality super clean sharp prints with full length commentaries and abundant supplemental photos and featurettes.
What an amazing collection! It satisfies all my criterea for what a good boxed set should be. All great titles, a great savings over buying individually, and the best quality versions of the film available.

I'm surprised to see some fairly recent reviews (2004)praising this set. Folks, this is a high price to pay for eight movies, when you can get Universal's recently released "Legacy" series for about $20 a pop. Because the "Legacy" series crams an average of five movies onto each two-disk set, the picture quality isn't as rich as it could be. (Keep in mind, though that the Universal Monster Collection was released relatively early in DVD history, and I don't think the images were cleaned up all that much. I certainly found my old VHS copy of "The Mummy" far superior to the single-disk version I bought early on. The "Legacy" series improves the picture and sound, even though neither is perfect. Universal has released "Legacy" series for Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and The Mummy. Each set features the original Universal movie, plus three or four sequels. The Frankenstein Legacy Collection, for instance, features all three Karloff outings, plus House of Frankenstein and Ghost of Frankenstein. The Mummy Legacy Collection features the Karloff original, plus Mummy's Hand, Ghost, Tomb and Curse. All for a great price. Check it out and save your money!

This is a superb collection of the Ultra-Classic vintage monster films by Universal Studios, and at a VERY affordable price! ....

Each DVD is a good picture (with the exception of Dracula), and is presented in 1.33:1 format. The mpeg2 is in great condition and the sound is good too. There is plenty of extras on each DVD as well, such as a commentary and a "making-of" featurette.

My only complaint is the lousy version of the 1943 "Phantom of the Opera" as opposed to the original silent 1925 Lon Chaney version, which is FAR FAR superior! Either include the silent version instead, or else leave out the weak Claude Rains version altogether next time.

Otherwise, this collection is superb! ...Buy it today!

This is a superb collection of the old classics. These were the first DVDs I've bothered to purchase.

Do not miss any of the bonus information on these CDs. There is a lot of historical and technical data about how these movies were made.

Hopefully Universal, and some of the other houses, will package up some more of these in subsequent volumes.

This collection is great. I had such a wonderful time viewing these movies. After so many years, it was like seeing them again for the first time. I am so happy that I made this purchase. The extras on the DVDs are real interesting and the picture quality is great. I intend to spend many more hours viewing these wonderful old timeless films.

I remember when our son ,and I would watch "Spooky"movies, we would turn out the light's make sure, we had plenty of popcorn and soda, and pop-in a movie,and enjoy not only the movie, but, the joy of watching your child enjoy what you as a child and an adult, also enjoyed!!

So, take sometime, order a pizza grab a pillow and put in the movies and Enjoy,sometimes the memories will last a lifetime.